Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Carthamus caeruleus L. Rhizome Extracts

This study evaluates the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of hydromethanolic and chloroformic extracts from the rhizome of Carthamus caeruleus L. The hydromethanolic extract demonstrated significantly higher potency in both antioxidant and cytotoxic activities compared to the chloroformic extract. It showed IC50 values of 0.14 ± 0.008, 1.39 ± 0.27, and 0.89 ± 0.074 µg/mL in ABTS+, NO·, and SO· assays, respectively. Additionally, it exhibited notable cytotoxicity against NCI-H460 lung carcinoma cells with an IC50 value of 177.69 ± 1.90 µg/mL. These findings support the traditional use of C. caeruleus as a treatment for burns, highlighting its potential as an antioxidant and cytotoxic agent.